French Open betting tips: Nadal set to rule once again

Nadal and the world number three had been battling for more than three hours when, at the end of the second set, the German slipped to the ground with his ankle twisting underneath him.

The tearful 25-year-old was taken off court in a wheelchair, and Nadal sat with him while he underwent checks before he re-emerged five minutes later on crutches to confirm he could not continue.

Nadal had won the first set on a tie-break and had just levelled at 6-6 in the second.

No more Mr Nice Guy

Ruud has never faced Nadal in a competitive match, but the pair have played plenty of times on the practice court.

Eighth seed Ruud admitted: “We have played some practice sets, and he has always pretty much beaten me.

“There’s been some close sets, 7-6, 7-5, but it always goes his favour. But it’s because we are playing in the academy and I want to be nice to him.”

Ruud enjoyed a 3-6 6-4 6-2 6-2 victory in his semi-final against Marin Cilic and is the first Norwegian man to reach a grand slam final.

He said: “It was a great match from my side. I didn’t start the greatest but Marin also played well in the first set.

“I was too defensive. I broke him in the second set and after that break I started to play some of my best tennis this year, serving well and playing aggressive.”

Ruud could be forgiven for taking time to settle but has the potential to cause Nadal a few problems so Ruud to win at least one set at 7/10 is one of our French Open betting tips, while Ruud is 23/10 to win the second set.

Ruud is 19/5 to win the match but will be made to work hard so the odds boost of 13/2 for a Ruud win and over 37.5 games looks the best bet for any brave punters looking to oppose Nadal.

Given his dominance at this venue though, Nadal looks worthy of support and victory in four sets at 13/5 concludes our French Open betting tips.

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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication